More than 220 new physicians from UTMB’s School of Medicine celebrated their accomplishments at the 2015 SOM commencement ceremony at Moody Gardens on May 30. Among the revelers was one specially honored graduate, Dr. Christopher Zimmerman, who took home the prestigious Gold-Headed Cane Award — the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating medical student.
The nominees are selected by their peers in the graduating class, and the award recognizes extraordinary dedication to the health and welfare of patients. Being nominated for this award is an honor in itself, and honorable mention is given to the finalists.
“To be nominated by your peers for the Gold-Headed Cane Award is an extraordinary honor, and I am immensely proud of all of the finalists,” said Dr. Danny O. Jacobs, executive vice president and provost and dean of the School of Medicine. “All of these students have demonstrated a passion for patient care, academic excellence and community service.”
The Gold-Headed Cane Award has a long tradition at UTMB. Dr. Charles T. Stone Sr., professor emeritus of internal medicine, established the award in 1960. A gold ring engraved with the newest recipient's name is added to the staff of the cane to commemorate the occasion. The cane is on permanent display at the Moody Medical Library; recipients receive a replica.
The UTMB tradition honors the 18th century practice of presenting a gold-headed cane to the pre-eminent physician in English society. One such cane was continuously carried from 1689 to 1825 by five distinguished British physicians and now resides in the Royal College of Physicians in London.
2015 Gold-Headed Cane Award Winner:
Christopher Zimmermann
“Almost all of my patients had cancer while volunteering at hospice, and so I had a front-row view of how the disease affects patients and families. Naturally, I gravitated toward all things cancer in my research, and I plan to continue my work in this field as a surgical oncologist.”
2015 Gold-Headed Cane Award Finalists:
Bryan J. Ager
“For me, radiation oncology provides the perfect niche for a rewarding career in medicine: enduring patient relationships, cutting-edge technologies, research opportunities, and fascinating basic science applications in physics and biology, all uniquely inspired by the common purpose of defeating cancer.”
Marcia Newby-Goodman
“As a child, I did not know what made a great doctor; I just knew what made me comfortable. I carry that same idea with me as I practice medicine now. Excellence in the profession is expected but compassion is what’s remembered.”
Aswathi Kumar
“My experiences at St. Vincent’s clinic reinforced my curiosity and love of medicine. I have become a more effective communicator and educator. I have learned the value of being thorough, compassionate, dedicated, and to consider the person sitting in front of me before the disease. I believe that training in internal medicine will prepare me to not only provide optimal medical care for my individual patients but to also identify and address issues that may limit the overall health of my community as a whole.”
Brent A. Richardson
“Providing health care to someone can bridge a gap that breaks barriers and changes lives forever. I found my calling and immediately began preparing to become a medical missionary. When I began forming a nonprofit organization to serve vulnerable children worldwide, I began to further realize how well my passion for surgery fit my pursuit to become a missionary, as there was a universal shortage of physicians.”